Hazel J. Sealander

Hazel J. Sealander, age 95, of Escanaba, went to meet her Lord and Savior Tuesday morning, June 2, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Escanaba. She was born on May 29, 1926 in Escanaba, the daughter of Ludwig and Gertrude (Way) Nelson. Hazel graduated from Escanaba High School in 1944, as a member of the National Honor Society. She then graduated from Bay City Business College. Before marriage, Hazel worked at the Birds Eye Veneer Company as a payroll clerk.

On June 9, 1951, the former Hazel Nelson married the love of her life, George Sealander at the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba. After 57 years of marriage, George preceded her in death. She was active in the Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon and was a member of the Church Circle. For many years, she attended The Stonecroft weekly bible study. Hazel worked as a special education aide in the Escanaba School System. She was a member of the R.C. Hatheway Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron. Hazel enjoyed her weekly luncheons with her girl hood friends. She loved riding her 4-wheeler at camp and traveling with George after retirement. Hazel took great pride in her family and spent many happy times with all of them.

She will be remembered with love by son, Tom (Patti) Sealander of Escanaba; daughters, Ann Simoson of Abingdon, VA, and Janis (Tom) Bell of Escanaba; 13 grandchildren, Nicole (Kevin) Kang, Jenny (Justin) Spaulding, Chris Sealander, Dr. Emily Shields (Robert), Jackie (Tom) LaVigne, Lindsay Richer (Josh), Tom (Andrea) Bell, Samantha (Daniel) Kliekamp, Terri, Amber, Peter, and Sydney Bell; 17 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Gerhard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, George; twin sister, Helen Nelson Goss; grandsons, Noah Simoson, and Michael Bell; great-grandsons, William Spaulding, and Mamadou Richer; sisters-in-law, LaVerne Sealander, and Mary Sealander; and brothers-in-law, Marvin Sealander, James Gerhard, Ed Sealander, and Donald Goss.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Hazel will follow at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, with Rev. Janice Reed officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. 

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